Hamas militants launched a surprise anniversary attack against Israel, marking one of the most intense escalations in the long-standing Gaza–Israel conflict on October 7, 2023. What started as a barrage of rockets soon turned into a deadly ground assault that caught Israel off guard, sparking widespread devastation and setting the stage for a full-scale war.
A Coordinated Assault: Rockets and Infiltration
In the early hours, Hamas fired hundreds of rockets from Gaza into southern and central Israel, targeting civilian and military sites. As sirens blared across Israeli towns, militants infiltrated Israeli territory by breaching the heavily fortified Gaza–Israel barrier. Armed groups stormed Israeli communities and military bases, creating chaos and overwhelming local defenses.
The Human Cost: Deaths and Captives
The attack claimed the lives of 1,195 people, including 815 civilians. In an unprecedented move, Hamas militants also captured 251 Israelis and foreign nationals, taking them into Gaza as hostages. The captives became a crucial bargaining chip in Hamas’s demand for the release of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.
Hamas’s Justification: Retaliation or Escalation?
Hamas stated that the attack was in response to Israel’s continued occupation, the blockade of Gaza, settlement expansions, and perceived threats to the Al-Aqsa Mosque. The militant group claimed it was acting on behalf of Palestinians who have long endured suffering under Israeli policies, while Israel called the attack an unprovoked act of terror.
Israel’s Retaliation: Bombing Campaign and Ground Invasion
In the days following the attack, Israel’s response was swift and severe. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) launched a massive airstrike campaign on Gaza, targeting Hamas strongholds, military sites, and civilian areas. By October 27, Israeli ground forces had entered Gaza, with the objective of dismantling Hamas and rescuing hostages.
The Aftermath: Escalation on Both Sides
As the war rages on, both Israel and Gaza face immense humanitarian and political fallout. The international community watches closely, fearing the conflict could further destabilize the region.